|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
My rig 1973 Volkswagen Safari Window Van motor 1700cc, stock dual Solex carbs trans 4 speed manual cab gear Dometic 3-way fridge, gravity-feed 12 gallon water system, 3 burner stove, Flaminetta propane oven w/2 burner range, 30 pound propane tank roof solid insulated hi-top stereo Maxxima AM/FM hi-power stereo cassette with dual Marine Weather Band heat stock gasoline-fired 12,000 BTU auxiliary heater, fully insulated AC 650watt Honda AC/DC generator DC 650watt Honda AC/DC generator, dual 12v battery system History
My first vehicle was a 1956 VW window van with a split windshield, with top speed of 65mph, which I purchased at age 18. It's body was perfect and I immediately began camperizing it. It had a 1200cc 36hp motor, with a hand crank that actually worked! Every responsible hippy back then, had a copy of John Muir's "How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive for the Compleat Idiot", which I bought and studied voraciously. I learned much, working in the comfort of a heated garage in my $45 per month basement suite in my hometown of Victoria BC. Many times the van lumbered up to the far reaches of northern Vancouver Island. After 3 transmission replacements (no-one would rebuild those early trannys) it was time, at age 19, to purchase a brand new Chianti Red 1972 VW Transporter (Delivery model: no rear windows). What a buzz! Top speed of 85mph and wicked heat from it's stock 12,000BTU gasoline heater! It cost $3200CDN new, lasted 23 years and 275,000 miles, before I finally sold it for parts for $900CDN. Three Ontario winters with no undercoating finally did the frame in. I camperized it and installed windows in the rearward panels. She crossed North America 6 times from the West Coast to London ONT, and numerous trips from Vancouver BC to South and North California. After the warranty ran out, all mechanical work was done by myself. Over the years I've installed and rebuilt numerous engines, installed two transmissions and two front axle beams, and lost count of how many brake systems, clutches, and starters I've installed over the years.
VW Van Repair:
I have been repairing Volkswagen vans (mostly 1972-79 models) since 1972. If you need a repair done in Southwest BC or nearby call me at 604-836-4693 or email me at abutler@hotmail.com. I also have some used parts for the same.
For Sale:
1979 VW Type 2; 2 seater window van, auto, part camperized, working factory sunroof, propane fridge (needs rebuild), 3 burner propane stove, sink, table/bed-deck, cass/FM, factory gas heater, 2.2 litre; $1500 CDN obo.
Note: this page "under construction"